Think F.A.S.T. to remember signs of a stroke

The American Stroke Association has created an easy way for people to remember the sudden signs of a stroke so emergency services can be contacted immediately.

All people have to do is think F.A.S.T.

F – Face Drooping: Is the side of a person’s face drooping or numb? Another test is to ask them to smile to see if their smile is uneven.

A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm of the person numb or weak? If they try to lift both arms does one begin to drift down?

S – Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to say a simple sentence, like “The shoe is black.” Is the person unable to speak, slurring or otherwise hard to understand? Do the repeat the sentence correctly?

T – Time to Call 911: If the person is showing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms begin to go away. Try to get the person to a hospital as soon as possible, and note the time so you can tell medical staff when symptoms started.

Other signs of a stroke can be sudden trouble seeing or walking or sudden headaches without a known cause.